Real stories · Warm without the bulk

Malcolm's old winter coat weighed a ton — he couldn't even throw the ball for the dog in it

Properly warm, and free enough to move his arms — that's what I bought Malcolm. I'm 67, Malcolm is 68, and for years his winter coat was a heavy old stiff thing that weighed about as much as Winnie. By the end of a walk his shoulders ached from carrying it, and he couldn't lift his arm high enough to throw her ball.

What I wanted was a coat that kept him warm without dragging on his shoulders.

Then I found the Tharvex from a British label called York Boutique — a men's jacket with a button front, two chest pockets and a soft fleecy collar and lining. I chose the black; there's a brown as well.

It has an insulated lining that holds the warmth in, but a balanced cut that lets him move without feeling bulky or restricted — which is why he can swing his arm right back and throw the ball across the whole field again. It's warm the moment it's buttoned, and his shoulders no longer complain on the way home.

Insulated and warm, but cut to move without bulk — which is why Malcolm throws the ball the length of the field again and comes home without aching shoulders.

At £49.95 — half the usual £100 — and worn twice a day with the dog from October to March, it works out at pennies a walk.

It has done three weeks of frosty dog walks, the weekly shop and a long afternoon on the allotment, and Winnie is delighted to have her ball-thrower back. I did check before ordering that I could send it back if it didn't fit — you can, within a fortnight, and the delivery's free.

If someone in your house is lugging round a heavy old winter coat too, do have a look. The Tharvex is rated 4.6 out of 5 by more than 180 customers, it comes in black and brown, in sizes XS to 2XL — and the warm ones go first once the frosts start.